What can I do to support some soldiers?

[StellaBlue]

I don't have a lot of money, but I can create things.

I was justing watching a program about wounded veterans and it made me think I ought to do something, as I have some extra time at the moment.

[MadMaddie]

1. If you sew or are creative....I bet they would appreciate

home made items....

[StellaBlue]

4. That's what I was thinking...

but how do I find out how to get it to them, what they need, etc.?

[npincus]

2. try this site:

http://www.anysoldier.com/

[stepnw1f]

5. Thanks (nt)

[NVMojo]

3. A good group is the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

they do things to support our troops in active duty ...especially those who are injured.

http://www.iava.org/index.php

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. Where's the closest VA hospital?

Sometimes the vets there need special items, like special sleeves or maybe even a rice bag or such. Call and find out what they need. Or just go and visit! Or find a vet in your area that needs a ride to the VA hospital.

Check out your local Guard unit. Ours is always having a sale or raffle of handmade items to help get their guys stuff they need. They would probably welcome some stuff.

[Sailor for Warner]

7. Send some of them a package

Let them know you care.
www.OperationUSOCarePackage.org
anysoldier.com/
www.treatsfortroops.com/
www.operationwecare.com/
www.treatanysoldier.com/

Also I operation Helmet (With Cher) is a very good program. I had some of their gear and I gave it to one of my buddies before I left, they are excellent and quite practical.

[Lochloosa]

16. i agree....one thing i have heard they love is presweetened koolaid....

[StellaBlue]

8. This got me thinking.

I used to be a tour guide.

One time a family came up, and grandpa was wearing one of those USS Shipname hats with all the VFW stuff on it, and it was from Normandy. D-Day.

One of the security officers went over to the old man and asked to shake his hand, and told him he saw his hat, and the man is his hero, and he just wanted to thank him.

The old man shook his hand and started to cry. He said, "In fifty years, no one has said that to me. No one's actually thanked me. You have no idea what that means to me."

[Sailor for Warner]

10. That is a wonderful story

They really were a different breed back then

[Lochloosa]

17. StellaBlue your name just gave me a great idea....

why not some music....i'm sure they would love the drum solo from Atlanta 4/94

[Amonester]

9. K & R

That's Very Good!

WOW! :thumbsup:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

11. K&R We should all be looking for ways to support our troops

[Glimmer of Hope]

12. If you look on anysoldier you will find a lot of kids just want

letters. Some do not have any family or other support so all they want is letters or cards.

[StellaBlue]

13. I would LOVE to do that.

Thanks. Will take a special look at that.

Edited to add, from anysoldier.com:

Can I just send letters? How do I and what should I say?
There is not one thing on this site, or anywhere, that requires you to send stuff.
Letters are THE MOST requested thing by these Soldiers.

So, all you need do is send a normal letter in a normal envelope with a normal stamp.
Good ideas: If you want, put your email address in your letter, many Soldiers can and prefer to reply that way.

What to write?
Too easy: like you are talking to a friend, because that is what that Soldier is going to be to you real quick.
It is also VERY helpful if you leave your full return address as part of your letter, envelopes tend to get trashed quickly.

[Redstone]

18. Whatever you decide to do will be appreciated. Trust me on this.

Redstone

[Sailor for Warner]

14. Letters and beef jerkey n/t

[StellaBlue]

15. Anybody have first-hand experience with anysoldier.com?

I would like to send letters/emails; just wondering if any other DUers have participated.

[npincus]

19. I have.

I sent a box of stuff- dvds, games, magazines, candy, etc. over at Christmastime to one soldier who was reprenting 34 guys. Anything you can send is greatly appreciated. I did not discuss my politics, I just thanked them and wished them well. My daughter's pre-school class (3 year olds) made cards for the soldiers and I included them.

:)

[Skittles]

20. I know a VERY cheap way

buy a book of postcard stamps (it is US rates - stamps are 24 cents a piece) - get some Texas post cards - do a search in www.anysoldier.com for that state in the contents of the troops' entries (go to WHERE TO FIND) - read the entries and send the cards to the soldiers that say they are from Texas or have a soldier from Texas - soldiers LOVE these reminders from home - I've sent hundreds - really - they LOVE the "DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS" one - or of course you can get those artsy postcards found in bookstores and really send them to ANY soldier - for example, I got a book of 30 ELVIS postcards I am currently tormenting Tennessee soldiers with - I tell them YOU CANNOT ESCAPE ELVIS.....ELVIS HAS FOLLOWED YOU TO THE SANDBOX....I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU.....THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO AMERICA....you know, stuff like that. THE TROOPS LOVE ANY KIND OF MAIL, IT IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR DAY. Do it!!